A Whole Child Model

I had the opportunity to present at the West Cast conference with my fellow classmates; Kelsey MacDonald, Allison Cuthbertson, and Nina Patterson.

Nina Paterson, Allison Cuthbertson, Kelsey MacDonald, and Myself

We came together and presented on the importance of fostering resiliency in our young learners. We proposed a whole model approach and using the Medicine Wheel as a tool for building resilient learners. In order to teach the whole child we must see the whole child focusing on their spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental health.  Providing your students with lessons on financial literacy, relationship building, physical health, nutrition, and mindfulness are just some ways you can teach your learners resiliency. As a team we recommended using the medicine wheel as a check in tool with your students. Having students reflect on their spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental health daily can help them understand how they are feeling and how they can be running at their best. Daily check-ins with your students will help you reach them and understand who they are and how you can help them as a whole.

As a team one of our biggest takeaways from our presentations and the research and conversations that brought us here, was the importance of being an ally for Indigenous education. We must stand together to be the change we want to see. I have attached a video we made of people we found who stand as allies of Indigenous education.